The Plateau State government said on Monday that 100 patients will benefit from free cataract surgeries to commemorate World Sight Day, marked annually on October 8.
Nicholas Ba’amlong, Commissioner for Health, disclosed this on Monday in Jos while commemorating World Sight Day 2026, with the theme “Love Your Eyes.”
Ba’amlong said the initiative was being implemented in collaboration with Sightsavers at the Federal Medical Centre, Wase, in Wase Local Government Area.
He stressed the importance of early detection and treatment of eye conditions, noting that residents would receive free checks and screening.
The commissioner said many eye conditions could be prevented, treated or managed when people have timely access to appropriate services.
Ba’amlong said the Plateau government remained committed to strengthening eye health services and making eye care increasingly accessible to residents.
“We will continue to support the integration of eye health into the wider health system, strengthen treatment pathways, promote community awareness and encourage early detection and treatment of eye conditions,” he said.
Ba’amlong added that the government would also focus on people living in underserved and hard-to-reach communities.
“Our goal must be an eye health system where every person, regardless of age, gender, location or economic circumstances, has the opportunity to receive appropriate eye care,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration among government, non-governmental organisations, health professionals, traditional and religious leaders, community organisations and other stakeholders to improve eye-health services.
